Lollapalooza gets 5 more years here

October 26, 2006|By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, Tribune staff reporter.

The Chicago Park District on Wednesday approved a five-year agreement to continue hosting the Lollapallooza music festival in Grant Park, while promising to address concerns about the noise generated by the three-day rock festival.

This year's festival drew criticism from residents who live north of the park--some of whom complained about feeling vibrations in their living rooms. But it also brought in more than $928,000 to Chicago parks.

In 2005, Hutchinson Field on the southern end of Grant Park was used for the festival. This year, Butler Field on the north end was also used and neighbors living just a few blocks away said they heard and felt the booming bass.

"For about 39 hours people in our area were subjected to noise that was disturbing," said Richard Ward, president of the New Eastside Association of Residents.

Parks officials said they would look at the site, acoustics and noise concerns in planning for next year's festival.

Charlie Jones, a partner and executive producer with Texas-based Capital Sports & Entertainment, which produces Lollapalooza, said noise levels were monitored this year and were similar to traffic noise in the area. But, he added, the company would work with the Park District to address any problems.

The Park District expects to earn about $5 million over five years from Lollapalooza.

Parks commissioners also approved the transfer of their four parking garages--Grant Park North, Grant Park South, East Monroe Street and Millennium Park--to the city, which in turn announced plans to lease the garages to a private operator.